Night Questions

Nicodemus came to see Jesus at night……He asked him, “How can these things be?” (John 3:1-17)

When we lay our heads on our pillows at night
We have questions.
They start with practical matters:
Did someone let the dog out?
Are the kids’ lunches packed for school?
When am I going to get to the grocery store this week?

Soon, they start to sound like Nicodemus’ question for Jesus.
Lord, how can these things be?
How can I go back to that same job tomorrow?
How can my mom be so sick?
How can I stay in this relationship any longer?
How can God ever forgive me?
How can God really care about me, when all these things are happening to me?

What questions do have for Jesus, for God, that you only dare whisper into the night?
Perhaps these “how can these things be” questions are a sign of God’s Spirit blowing through our lives.

If you wonder you could go back to that same job tomorrow, maybe God’s Spirit is moving you to a career change or to go back to school.
If you wonder how your mom can be so sick, maybe God’s Spirit is moving you to say those things you never said or take time off to be with her.
If you are wondering how I can stay in this relationship any longer, maybe God’s Spirit is prompting you to seek counseling and guidance and make some hard decisions.
If you wonder how God can ever forgive you, perhaps God’s Spirit is moving you to hear Jesus say, “I did not come to condemn you but to save you.” (John 3:17)
If you wonder if God doesn’t care, perhaps God’s Spirit is moving you to trust that God so loves the world, including you (John 3:16).

God’s Spirit blowing through your life means things are going to move and change. When is the last time you let God’s Spirit move you?

Prayer: God of day and night, darkness and light, you know the questions that burden my hear and mind even before I ask them. Send us your Spirit to me that I may trust in your presence and your help. Amen.